2012 Ashlyn’s Vineyard Private Reserve Red, Columbia Valley, WA $6.99

Clear medium garnet; nose is a bit earthy, but shows plenty of berryish raspberry and some blackberry fruit; no obvious signs of oak in the nose. In the mouth, the first thing I notice is fairly high acidity (as in cooler climate grapes) and firm, though not particularly big tannins. The flavor profile is really more red fruit than black i.e. the aforementioned raspberrries, cranberries and underripe red plum. It’s tasty enough, has nice fruit, is low on oak and gives an old world impression. To me, it seems similar to the last vintage…so I’m thinking mainly Syrah again. If it’s Cab, it tastes like young vines in that (to me) it lacks ripeness, body and definition.

Very similar to the 2011 vintage, but with far less oak in the flavors (which I prefer). Should be a fine food wine and may age well (due to the acidity, but I’d drink it with food right now). Not my preferred style of red, but tasty nonetheless…and reader Roger Emigh really liked it (which is why I gave it a try). Thanks, Roger!

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About lim13

31 years in mid-management in the retail liquor and wine industry; retired since 2005. Long-time wine collector, wine educator, and in the past, a wine writer, who also enjoys playing guitar and singing, clogging, and cooking. Volunteer with the local Humane Society and Cancer Society.